There is always a chance someone could get hurt when they visit your home. Sometimes, they will hold you responsible for the damage. In other cases, the accident was no one's fault. Depending on the circumstances, the way you use your homeowners insurance might differ. Here’s why.
Understanding Fault
Think of the visitors who will come to your home. Your child probably has friends over from time to time, for example. Kids might get rowdy, and you can't watch them every second. So, there is a chance that someone could get hurt in the blink of an eye.
Let's say you let the kids outside to play baseball while you stay in to do the dishes. During the game, one of the kids gets hit in the head with a bat. They sustain a concussion. This is likely a scary, not to mention painful experience. The victim might face a few hurdles, including medical bills, during the recovery.
After the accident, a few scenarios might result.
First, this was an accident, and the child's family might not blame you. However, they might want help with medical bills. Because the accident occurred while the child was in your care, then you might be able to turn to your homeowners policy to file a claim.
However, the family might also allege that it was your fault. They might say accident happened because you didn't monitor the children. They might even sue you. Again, you might have to turn to your home insurance to assist you, just in a different way. Your policy will generally provide help with legal recourse.
How Your Homeowners Insurance Can Help You
Generally, home insurance contains a couple of options to cover third party injuries.
- Medical payments insurance can cover the person's injuries, regardless of fault. So, if the child's concussion was no more than a simple accident, then this coverage can still help them out. Keep in mind, this coverage will not replace a child's existing health insurance, if they have it.
- Personal liability insurance will come into play in case you had fault in an accident. For example, if you failed to maintain your staircase banister, and it collapses, causing a child to fall, this coverage might be able to pay their medical bills. Coverage can also apply to potential legal costs that might result.
The best thing to do if someone gets hurt in your home is to call your insurance provider. They can help you determine how your policy will help. Tell them the whole truth about what happened. That way, they can accurately determine whether you have coverage.
Bromell Agency can help you find the right coverage to protect your home. Give us a call today at (318) 251-1212 for more information.
Also Read: Homeowners Insurance for Guests of Single Residents